Texans Topple Lions. Remain on Top of AFC South

Houston RB Lamar Miller rushes for yardage against the Lions in Sunday’s victory. The Texans scored two touchdowns in the first half and held on in the second half to remain in first place in the AFC South.

The Houston Texans jumped out to an early lead and held on to beat the Detroit Lions Sunday, 20-13. With the win, the Texans hang on to first place, are 5-3 overall, and perfect 5-0 at home. Now the Texans head into a bye week to prepare for two upcoming road games. The Texans haven’t yet won on the road this year.

The Lions controlled the ball for most of the first period. But after the Texans defense held the Lions on a fourth and four at the Texan 38, and the Lions kicker Matt Prater hit the upright on a 49 yard field goal attempt, the Texans took over on their own 39 yard line with just 3:50 left in the first quarter. The Texans drove the field mostly on short pass plays and one Osweiller to Griffen pass for 23 yards. Then on a 3rd and 6 from the Detroit 6 Osweiller found Tight End Fiedorowicz for a 6 yard touchdown and the Texans had a 7-0 lead after the Novak extra point was good.

The Texans defense held the Lions to a quick 3 and out and forced the Lions to punt it back to the Texans. Starting at their own 47 yard line, the Texans used a short passing game and runs to drive to the Lion 1 yard line where running back Lamar Miller scored on a one yard run over right guard. After another Novak good PAT the Texans were up 14-0 with 7:04 left in the first half.

Each team traded two possessions and two punts before the Lions were finally able to get on the scoreboard with a 47 yard Prater field goal with 30 seconds left in the half.

The Lion defense made adjustments at the half and took away most of the Texans short passing game and Osweiller had trouble on longer passes, but the Texans still managed to get a 33 yard field goal in the 3rd quarter and a 36 yard field goal in the fourth. The Texan defense gave up a long 84 yard drive that concluded with Matthew Stafford throwing a 1 yard TD pass to RB Theo Riddick. A Lion 34 yard field goal with 2:53 to play brought the Lions within a touchdown of the Texans and a 20-13 score.

The Lions attempted an onside Kick Off which the Texans recovered. The Texans ran the ball and converted two first downs to run the remaining time off the clock and seal their 5th win at home this year.

The Texans seemed to just enough to get the job done today. Leaders on offense were Osweiller, 20/29, 186 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception. Hopkins had 4 receptions for a modest 44 yards, and Miller had 56 yards on 17 carries and one TD.

The Texans will have a bye next week before away games against the Jaguars and the Raiders.